IMD in the USA
Disinformation Is an Infectious Disease
When: 18 September 2025
Time: 18:00 - 20:30 (USA Time)
Where: Online - Hodson Auditorium, Rosenstock Hall, Hood College, United States
Event Description:
We will screen the 2023 documentary "Shot in the Arm" as we examine the impact of disinformation campaigns that seek to sow distrust in vaccines and to downplay the impact of infectious diseases caused by microbial pathogens. We aim to help audiences understand how science and scientists work, to help them guard against unreliable information, and to build trust in science, medicine, and public health.
This event will be held in person as well as on Zoom.
Registration required for a Zoom invitation: https://tinyurl.com/mph-film-fest
Small but Mighty
When: 15 September - 13 October 2025
Time: 09:00 - 17:00
Where: Hodson Auditorium, Rosenstock Hall, Hood College, United States
Event Description
Get ready to go on a science adventure! Earth’s first living beings were tiny microorganisms. These incredible microbes shaped the planet billions of years ago—and they’re still at work today! They help make bread rise, protect us from getting sick, and even live deep in the ocean.
In this event, students in Grades 1–8 will journey from Earth’s earliest life to the microbes that influence our food, medicine, and even our future. Through stories, hands-on activities, and experiments, we’ll see how these tiny life forms are part of the great adventure of life on Earth. And, just like the explorers of long ago, we’ll connect with students in other schools by exchanging postcards and discoveries.
The event will launch on Monday at the school assembly. Prior to the launch, educators from partner schools will be invited to participate in the exchange. Following the kickoff, each age group will explore different topics and share their discoveries using picture postcards and podcasts.
Topics We’ll Explore:
The Coming of Life – Step back in time to Earth’s earliest microbes.
Invisible but Everywhere – Explore microbes in the ocean, soil, and even inside us.
Fermentation Fun – Discover how microbes help make bread, yogurt, and cheese.
Medicine Makers – Learn how they gave us antibiotics and vaccines.
Microbes of the Future – Imagine how microbes could solve tomorrow’s big problems.
Science Exchange – Share postcards and discoveries with partner schools.
Reflection & Celebration – Think like scientists and share bold ideas.
Speakers & Facilitators:
Lead Presenter: Michelle Velho, microbiologist with expertise in marine microbiology, antibiotics, vaccines, stem cells, and science education
Guest Speakers: Scientists (to be announced)
Target Audience: Students in Grades 1–8, educators, and partner schools.
In our schools all students will be registered. For school wishing to collaborate please email sciencemichelle@hudsonmontessori.net using the Subject: Small But Mighty ... Explore the wonders of microorganisms.
Celebrate microorganisms and support the scientific community
This September, ATCC invites you to join us in honoring the invisible champions of our world—microorganisms! From September 1–30, 2025, we’re celebrating International Microorganism Day by encouraging scientists to contribute to our expansive collection of unique microbial strains. By depositing your microbial strains with ATCC, you’re not just preserving biological diversity—you’re empowering global research, innovation, and discovery. In many cases, depositing microbial strains—especially type strains that serve as reference strains for specific species—can meet regulatory requirements for publications or approvals, as ATCC provides the necessary documentation and verification.
Special thank you gifts
To show our appreciation, everyone who submits a deposit during the event will receive a limited-edition International Microorganism Day magnet. If your strain is accepted into our collection, you’ll also receive an adorable stuffed microbe—a cuddly tribute to your scientific impact! Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the microbial world and make your mark in microbiology.
Why deposit with ATCC?
We offer extended storage of microbial specimens in tightly regulated environments, safeguarding their integrity and availability over time. These preserved samples are accessible to researchers worldwide, encouraging scientific advancement, shared discoveries, and the ability to replicate experiments.
· Expertise: Benefit from our extensive experience in biomaterial management.
· Security: Trust in our secure, temperature-controlled facilities and 24/7 monitoring.
· Global reach: Make your biomaterials available to the global research community.
· Compliance: Ensure your deposits meet international and national standards.
What we're looking for
ATCC is actively seeking high-quality, well-characterized microbial strains that support critical areas of public health and biomedical research. While we welcome a broad range of deposits, we have a special interest in the following categories. These categories align with ATCC’s mission to support reproducible science and global health preparedness. By contributing to these focus areas, your deposit could become a vital resource for researchers worldwide.
· Zoonotic pathogens: These are microbes that can be transmitted between animals and humans, often emerging from wildlife or livestock. Zoonotic pathogens are responsible for a significant portion of new infectious diseases. Depositing these strains helps researchers understand cross-species transmission and develop strategies to prevent future outbreaks.
· Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) strains: AMR is a global health emergency. ATCC maintains a growing portfolio of AMR strains that are phenotypically and genotypically characterized, including those listed on the WHO Bacterial Priority Pathogen List. Deposits in this category support the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and surveillance tools to combat drug-resistant infections.
· Sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogens: STIs remain a major public health concern worldwide. We are particularly interested in strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum, and others that can aid in the development of vaccines, diagnostics, and resistance monitoring.
· Respiratory viruses: From seasonal influenza to emerging coronaviruses, respiratory viruses pose ongoing threats to global health. Depositing these viruses—especially novel or variant strains—supports vaccine development, antiviral testing, and epidemiological studies.
Visit the website to find out more: https://www.atcc.org/international-microorganism-day.